Teacher accused of sexual relationship with teenage student

(WMC-TV) - A Mid-South teacher is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a teenage student.

April Wade, 34, appeared in court early Monday on a charge of statutory rape by an authority figure.

Wade, a Spanish teacher at Sheffield high School is accused of having sex with a 17-year-old student. The student told Memphis police he had been living with Wade for the past year, and the two were involved in a sexual relationship.

"It's just a scary situation for your kids to be coming to school and you don't know if they're coming to get an education or be with a teacher," said Yolanda Cathey, the parent of a Sheffield High Student.

According to Memphis City Schools, Wade has been a full time employee with the district since 2008.

"Where are his parents? Why wasn't he at home? Where was his whereabouts? They should have been wondering where the child was," Cathey said.

Wade used to teach Cathey's daughter.

"She's a real good teacher," Cathey said. "I never had any problems with her."

Wade is currently suspended without pay, pending the outcome of a police investigation. Meanwhile, school leaders released a statement Monday saying, "We are aware of the allegations against the teacher at Sheffield High School. Out of respect for her constitutional right to due process and on the advice of counsel, we will not comment on the particular allegations at this time. We will, however, take appropriate disciplinary action at the appropriate time and every decision we make will be made in the best interest of our students."

Wade was initially arrested on Friday, and released on $5,000 bond. Action News 5's attempts to reach Wade for comment on Monday were unsuccessful.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.